Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit Review

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit has quite a lot going for it, starting with its 2.25 HP, its variable speed, its fixed and plunge bases that could be swapped depending on the work you’re doing, and its collets that are available as 0.25 and 0.5-inch variants.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK can handle a wide range of applications involving routing and plunge cuts with its versatile plunge and fixed-base router kit. It’s a kit, so you get all the trimmings included plus the main course of the router itself. This will save you money and time in gathering all the other components needed to get some optimum routing work done because everything you need is included in this kit. It’s not sold separately.

Powerful, Variable-Speed Motor with Soft Start

Let’s dissect what makes Bosch 1617EVSPK so great. It has a powerful motor wherein you can vary its speed and it’s powered by a soft start. What this means is that the motor won’t balk against most routing operations exactly because it’s strong enough to route the hardest wooden, metal, and plastic materials in the construction market.

Its variable-speed motor, meanwhile, enables it to go from one speed to another to take on various materials (it shouldn’t route too fast to break a workpiece apart or too slow to make less-than-smooth hollowing). Its advanced speed control technology is further bolstered by features like multipurpose bases.

Accurate Fixed and Plunge Base Cuts

Speaking of which, thanks to its fixed base and plunge base, you can make plunge cuts or standard routing action with your Bosch 1617EVSPK with a quick base switch. This helps a lot with the versatile speed range of 8,000 RPM to 25,000 RPM. Unlike single-speed motors that only have either a fixed or plunge base, the 1617EVSPK delivers the best of both worlds.

It also allows you to switch speeds due to its variable speed dial that you can switch over with a simple flick of your finger. Any material or routing task will crumble in the face of the Bosch 1617EVSPK router’s utility, especially when you consider that it has a Constant Response Circuitry. This electronic innovation enables constant speed throughout the cut so you don’t get any crooked or rough routes from this tool.

Bosch 1617EVSPK Review

I rate the Bosch 1617EVSPK quite highly because it does a tremendous job at routing. It’s better than I’ve ever seen in other routers. I was quite amazed at how its soft-start feature doesn’t only make it run immediately like a television for something that has a motor. It also gives out less torque when it’s starting up, so I’m not shaking all over the place and bracing myself with doing my routing business.

It transitions smoothly as well, thus ensuring superior handling every time. It’s also a kit, so I don’t need to buy new wrenches just to put it together or shift from one base to another. I give it a rating of 9.5 out of 10.

Things to Improve

Some users who’ve probably brought down the score of this router from the shoe-in perfect 10 it should’ve gotten claim it’s an overpriced piece of junk with only a sufficient instead of an excessive amount of power compared to the true powerhouse routers out there. It doesn’t defy expectations, it’s mediocre.

This is the reason why some “hoity-toity” users who’ve used better routers won’t recommend this kit. There have also been reports of it jamming in the plunge base in a tight manner that it was unable to work until you drive out the jam with hammer’s wooden handle. Other users had to fix the piece of equipment with sandpaper and wax to make it work the way they want.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, the main takeaway you should get from the Bosch 1617EVSPK is that even though it offers everything you’d expect out of any other router—multiple speeds, a decent speed range, an acceptable amount of power from the motor, and a negligible detriment coming from outlier or badly constructed routers—it remains a worthwhile buy because it’s also available in kit form.

It’s unlikely based on the percentage of people who liked it versus the people that don’t that you’ll come across the issues that the 1% of complainers are suffering from. For the most part, it’s a tough, rugged, and complete router kit that should save you a lot of money when bought. Do take a look at other best wood routers too!

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